Acoustic line tracing system and method for fluid transfer system

ABSTRACT

An acoustic line tracing system for tracing a fluid transfer system tubing line includes an acoustic receiver operably connectable to the tubing line and configured to receive the vibratory signal. The acoustic receiver includes a vibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line and configured for detecting vibration of the surface of the tubing line caused by the vibratory signal, and an indicator producing at least one of an audio and a visual cue when the vibration sensor detects the vibratory signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application is a Continuation application of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/837,417 filed Mar. 15,2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for tracing aparticular tubing set from end to end, more particularly to a system andmethod that uses acoustic vibration to trace a tubing system for fluidtransfer, and even more particularly to a system and method for tracingtubing systems used in the medical industry for transfer of fluids, suchas intravenous infusion tubing, using acoustic vibration.

BACKGROUND

Errors in administration of medication through a fluid transfer system,such as a patient infusion system or an automatic compounder, can resultfrom many causes, including misconnections. Accordingly, to reduce thepotential for such errors, professional guidelines and/or standardoperating procedures require clinicians, such as nurses and pharmacists,to perform “line management,” also known as line tracing, numerous timesthroughout their working shifts. In the case of an automatic compounder,line management involves verifying each medication source container isrouted through tubing to the correct input of the mixing manifold andpump. In the case of a patient infusion system, line management involvesverifying that each medication source container, typically a bag,bottle, or syringe, is routed through tubing to the correct catheter,and that the tubing is associated with the correct pump channel (if aninfusion pump is used). The activity further includes verifying that itis safe to join two or more tubing segments containing differentmedications and/or flowing at different rates. By way of example, anurse or other clinician may perform line management for each patientwhen starting a shift, when receiving a patient from another facility,another area of the hospital, or a different clinician, and just priorto administration of an intravenous medication. Repeated performance ofthe detailed line management procedure imposes a time burden on theclinicians, and is prone to errors, particularly as the complexity of apatient's overall infusion tubing system increases. That is, multipletubing sets, medications, junctions, access ports, pump channels, andcatheters increase the amount of time required to perform linemanagement and also introduce additional opportunities for error in linemanagement.

To facilitate line management, clinicians often manually label infusionsetups at various locations throughout the tubing system. Generally, thelabeling is crude, using materials on hand such as medical tape wrappedaround the tubing and labeled with identifying information such as themedication name. This labeling is repeated at several points throughoutthe system. For example, labels may be placed at the spike end of atubing set, at the catheter connection, at each access port andjunction, on the roller clamp and slide clamp, on the catheter, on thepump channel itself, and on the medication container. When applying suchlabels, a clinician manually slides his or her hand along the tube,progressing from a first tube end to a second tube end, and labelingdesired points along the length of the tube.

Line management systems should be capable of identifying the correctline, catheter, and connector prior to connecting any new medicinecontainer and line or prior to injecting a medication into an existingaccess port. Additionally, the system should allow a user to correctlyidentify a container and its corresponding line and pump interfacebefore loading the tubing line into the pump. The system should alsomaintain clear physical and visual association among the container,line, pump, and catheter. Proposed systems for facilitating the linemanagement process include color coding of the tubing sets used in theinfusion system, use of the tubing as an optical waveguide similar toglass or plastic optical fibers, and use of electrically conductingwires embedded in the wall of the tubing. Each of these solutionsprovides some advantages, but a primary disadvantage to each proposal isthat it would require development of a specialized tubing set.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system that facilitates accurate linemanagement without the need for development of new tubing systems.

SUMMARY

An improved acoustic line tracing system addresses these needs. Theacoustic sensor system allows for accurate tracing of a line, withoutthe need for developing a specialized tubing set. Accordingly, existingtubing sets, with known physical characteristics can be used with theacoustic tracing system.

In a first aspect, an acoustic line tracing system for tracing a fluidtransfer system tubing line includes an acoustic receiver operablyconnectable to the tubing line and configured to receive a vibratorysignal. The acoustic receiver includes a vibration sensor disposed tocontact the tubing line and configured for detecting vibration of thesurface of the tubing line caused by the vibratory signal, and anindicator producing at least one of an audio and a visual cue when thevibration sensor detects the vibratory signal.

In another aspect of the invention, an acoustic line tracing system forverifying continuity of a tubing set in an infusion system includes afirst acoustic receiver connectable to the tubing line and configuredfor receiving a vibratory signal. The first acoustic receiver has avibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line and configured fordetecting vibration of the surface of the tubing line caused by thevibratory signal. A signal transmitter operatively contacts the tubingset and is electrically coupled with the first acoustic receiver. Thesignal transmitter is configured for generating acoustic vibrations inthe tubing line when the sensor detects a vibratory signal. A secondacoustic receiver is connectable to the tubing line and configured forreceiving the acoustic vibrations generated by said signal transmitter.The second acoustic receiver includes a sensor disposed to contact thetubing line and configured for detecting vibrations in the surface ofthe tubing line caused by the acoustic vibrations, and an indicatorproducing at least one of an audio and a visual cue when the vibrationsensor detects the vibrations. The first acoustic receiver and thesignal transmitter are separated by at least one vibration dampeningcomponent.

In still another aspect of the invention, a method for tracing a tubingset to determine set continuity includes a step of providing an acousticreceiver in contact with the tubing set at a first position along thetubing set. The acoustic receiver has a vibration sensor operativelythat is in contact with the tubing set and capable of sensing vibrationsin the tubing set, and an indicator capable of producing at least one ofan audio and a visual cue when said vibration sensor detects thevibrations. The method further includes a step of inducing a vibratorysignal at a second position along the tubing set, and a step ofdetecting, using the provided acoustic receiver, whether or not thevibratory signal is received at the first position along the tubing set.The method also includes a step of determining whether the tubing set iscontinuous between the first position and the second position, where thetubing set is determined to be continuous if the vibration sensordetects the vibratory signal at the detecting step. The indicatorproduces the audio and/or visual cue when it is determined that thetubing set is continuous.

In one embodiment, an acoustic line tracing system is provided fortracing a fluid transfer system tubing line. Included in the tracingsystem are an infusion pump, and a first acoustic receiver operablyconnectable to the tubing line and configured to receive a vibratorysignal. The first acoustic receiver includes a first vibration sensordisposed to contact the tubing line, and the first vibration sensor isconfigured for detecting vibration of the surface of the tubing linecaused by the vibratory signal. A signal transmitter operativelycontacts the tubing set and is electrically coupled with the firstacoustic receiver, and the signal transmitter is configured forgenerating acoustic vibrations in the tubing line when the firstvibration sensor detects the vibratory signal. The first acousticreceiver is upstream from the infusion pump and the signal transmitteris downstream from the infusion pump for reducing dampening of thevibratory signal by the infusion pump.

In another embodiment, an acoustic line tracing system is provided forverifying continuity of a tubing set in an infusion system. Included inthe line tracing system are an infusion pump, and a first acousticreceiver connectable to the tubing line and configured for receiving avibratory signal. The first acoustic receiver includes a first vibrationsensor disposed to contact the tubing line, and the first vibrationsensor is configured for detecting vibration of the surface of thetubing line caused by the vibratory signal. A signal transmitteroperatively contacts the tubing set and electrically coupled with thefirst acoustic receiver, and the signal transmitter is configured forgenerating acoustic vibrations in the tubing line when the firstvibration sensor detects the vibratory signal. The first acousticreceiver and said signal transmitter are separated by the infusion pumpfor reducing dampening of the vibratory signal by the infusion pump.

In yet another embodiment, a method for determining continuity of atubing set includes steps of providing: a first acoustic receiveroperably connectable to the tubing line and configured for receiving avibratory signal, the first acoustic receiver including a firstvibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line, the firstvibration sensor being configured for detecting vibration of the surfaceof the tubing line caused by the vibratory signal. A signal transmitteroperatively contacts the tubing set and electrically coupled with saidfirst acoustic receiver, and the signal transmitter is configured forgenerating acoustic vibrations in the tubing line when the firstvibration sensor detects the vibratory signal. The first acousticreceiver is upstream from an infusion pump and the signal transmitter isdownstream from the infusion pump to reduce dampening of the vibratorysignal by the infusion pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an infusion system including a removable acoustic receiveraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an infusion system including an infusion pump and aremovable acoustic receiver according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic drawing of an acoustic receiver as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a graph of a vibratory acoustic signal received by theacoustic receiver of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 shows the infusion system of FIG. 2, and a removable acousticline receiver including a relay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fluid transfer system is shownschematically as infusion system 10. While FIGS. 1 and 2 show the fluidtransfer system as patient infusion system 10, those of skill in the artwill recognize that other fluid transfer systems, such as automaticcompounder systems, are within the scope of the present invention. Theinfusion system 10 includes a medication container 12, a catheter 14 forconnection to a patient, and a tubing set 16 providing fluidcommunication between the medication container 12 and the catheter 14.The infusion system 10 can be a so-called “gravity-fed” pumpless systemas shown in FIG. 1, or optionally includes an infusion pump 18 forpumping the medication from the container 12 through the tubing set 16and catheter 14 into a patient as shown in FIG. 2. While the systems 10shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 include equipment for delivering a singlemedication for clarity, those of skill in the art will recognize that aninfusion system may include multiple containers, catheters, pumps, andtubing sets.

The medication container 12 can be, for example, a bag, bottle, syringe,or other standard container used to contain liquid medications. There isno particular restriction regarding what containers may be used. A dripchamber 20 is preferably disposed directly downstream from themedication container 12. The drip chamber 20 allows gas to separate fromfluid exiting the medication container 12, thus helping to prevent anair embolism, and also helps a clinician estimate the flow rate of themedication by allowing the clinician to count the number of drops of themedication that enter the drip chamber 20 in a given period of time.

The catheter 14 can be any standard equipment for use with a patient.The catheter 14 may be, for example, a temporary catheter inserted intoa peripheral vein, a peripherally inserted central catheter, a centralvenous catheter, or other catheter known to those in the art. Likewise,the tubing set 16 is any standard tubing set used to connect themedication container 12 to the catheter 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the infusion pump 18 is any known pump used toadminister fluid intravenously. The pump 18 is used to help regulatefluid flow through the system 10, and may be used to vary an infusionrate based on, for example time and/or patient demand. The pump 18 ispositioned between the drip chamber 20 and the catheter 14, and mayinclude one or more “channels,” with each channel used to regulate fluidflow from a distinct medication container through a distinct tubing set.

FIGS. 1 and 2 each show at least one acoustic receiver 22 connected toan exterior surface of the tubing set 16. The acoustic receiver 22 is adevice capable of detecting acoustic waves transmitted through thetubing set 16. The receiver 22 is preferably removably secured to thetubing set 16, such that a clinician can position the receiver at anydesired position along the length of the tubing set, and can move thereceiver from one tubing set to another as desired. While FIG. 2 showsthe acoustic receiver 22 as a separate device, artisans will recognizethat the receiver can optionally be incorporated into the pump 18 as anintegrated acoustic receiver disposed at one or both of the upstream anddownstream sides of the pump without departing from the scope of theinvention. Alternatively, the receiver 22 is optionally formed as anintegral portion of the tubing set 16, disposed near the medicationcontainer 12 and/or near the catheter 14. Alternatively, the receiver 22is optionally formed as an integral portion of the infusion system 10,including the medication container 12 and/or the catheter 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, the acoustic receiver 22 includes a sensor 24, anindicator 26, and a power source 28. The sensor 24, such as a vibrationsensor is disposed in contact with the tubing set 16, and is used todetect an acoustic vibratory signal transmitted through the tubing set16. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor 24 is a transducer capableof converting vibrations from the tubing set 16 into an electricalsignal. For example, the sensor 24 is optionally a microphone such as acontact microphone or other piezoelectric device.

The sensor 24 is electrically connected to the indicator 26, whichprovides at least one of an audio and a visual or other indication whenthe sensor 24 detects sound waves. The indicator 26 is preferably asmall indicator light such as a light emitting diode, a smallloudspeaker capable of emitting an audible tone, or other device capableof providing an observable signal to a clinician.

The power source 28 provides power to the receiver 22. The power source28 is preferably a compact portable power source such as a battery.However, other sources, such as a connection to mains power,photovoltaic panels, and the like may be used without departing from thescope of the invention.

The receiver 22 is preferably removably connected to the tubing itselfand/or any component of the tubing set 16, such as the drip chamber 20and/or access ports. Alternatively, the receiver 22 can be connected toother portions of the infusion system 10, including the medicationcontainer 12 or the catheter 14. This connection is formed by, forexample a spring-biased clamp. The force exerted on the tubing set 16 bythe receiver 22 is desirably sufficient for maintaining steady contactbetween the sensor 24 and the tubing set, so that an accurate readingcan be performed. However, the biasing force retaining the receiver 22in place should not be so strong as to occlude the tubing set 16.

Turning now to FIG.5, the signal sensed by the acoustic receiver 22 ispreferably provided, for example, by a signal transmitter 30 preferablyremovably connected to the tubing set. The transmitter 30 may be anydevice capable of producing a vibratory acoustic signal, preferably anultrasound signal having a frequency greater than 20 kHz. In thepreferred embodiment, the transmitter 30 includes a piezoelectric deviceconfigured for generating ultrasonic acoustic vibrations. Thetransmitter 30 can be a separate device, or optionally can beincorporated into the tubing set 16. Alternatively, the transmitter 30can optionally be attached to or formed integrally with other elementsof the infusion system 10, including the medication container 12 and/orthe catheter 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmitter 30 can alsooptionally be incorporated into the infusion pump 18 as an integratedsignal transmitter 18 a. While FIG. 5 shows integrated signaltransmitter 18 a disposed on the downstream side of the pump 18, thoseof skill in the art will recognize that an integrated signal transmittercan be disposed at one or both of the upstream and downstream sideswithout departing from the scope of the invention. Alternatively, apumping mechanism of the infusion pump 18 can be the signal transmitter30. While in the depicted embodiment, the signal transmitter 30 isseparate from the acoustic receiver 22, it is also contemplated that theacoustic receiver 22 is also optionally capable of generating anacoustic vibratory signal, thus operating as a signaltransmitter/receiver or “transceiver”. As a further alternative, thevibratory signal may be generated manually, for example by a cliniciantapping the tubing set using, for example, a finger or other implement.The vibratory acoustic signal is preferably applied at a location 13distant from the receiver 22, so that opposite ends of the tubing set 16are determined to be continuous. As examples, FIG. 1 shows the vibratorysignal can be applied to the tubing set 16 at the location 13 disposedproximate to the medication container 12, while the receiver 22 ispositioned proximate to the catheter 14; FIG. 2 shows the vibratorysignal applied at a location 13 downstream from the pump 18, with thereceiver 22 positioned near the catheter 14; and FIG. 5 shows thevibratory signal applied at the position 13 near the medication bag,with a first receiver 22 positioned upstream of the pump 18.

In practice, to aid in creation of an infusion mapping, a vibratorysignal is provided at a first end of the tubing set 16. The signal isoptionally provided continuously or intermittently (e.g., a pulsedsignal). The acoustic receiver 22 is then systematically connected toeach of a plurality of candidate tubes at a second end of the infusionsystem 10, until the vibratory signal is detected by the sensor 24 atthe tube which is in fluid communication with the tube coupled to thesignal transmitter. FIG. 4 shows a graph indicating receipt of a pulsedsignal by the sensor 24, such as by the signal transmitter 30 or by aclinician tapping on the tubing set 16. In response to the sensor 24receiving the vibratory signal, the indicator 26 provides an indicationto the clinician that the signal has been received. The clinician thenknows that the tubing section 16 to which the acoustic receiver 22 isconnected is continuous with the tubing section to which the vibratorysignal is provided.

Referring now to FIG. 2, addition of the infusion pump 18 to the system10 creates additional complications for acoustic continuity sensing. Inparticular, the infusion pump 18 may dampen the provided vibratorysignal sufficiently that a signal provided on an upstream side of thepump cannot be accurately detected on a downstream side of the pump (orvice versa). One method of accommodating the dampening factor of theinfusion pump 18 is to use a two-step process, whereby the receiver 22is initially placed on the tubing set 16 near the catheter 14, and avibratory signal is systematically transmitted from the location 13associated with each pump channel output on the downstream side of thepump or pumps (if there are multiple pumps in the infusion system), oneby one, until continuity is established on the downstream side of theinfusion system. This allows the clinician to determine which pumpchannel is associated with the tubing set 16 near the catheter 14. Then,a vibratory signal is transmitted from the location 13 associated withthe upstream side of the pump 18 on the same channel, and the receiver22 is systematically moved from one tubing system to another near themedication containers 12 until the signal is received. This showscontinuity from the medicine container 12 to the pump 18. In this way,continuity can be established fully from the medication container 12 tocatheter 14 using only a single receiver 22 and a single transmitter 30,even with an intervening infusion pump 18. This is generally referred toas a “pump out” approach because the signals are transmitted frompositions proximal to the pump in both upstream and downstreamdirections. The system and method can be streamlined when the upstreamand downstream signal transmitters 30 and associated software areincorporated into the pump 18. In this case, only a single receiver 22needs to be positioned by the clinician.

One of skill in the art will note that the above-listed steps areoptionally performed in the opposite order, such that continuity fromthe medication container 12 to the pump 18 is determined beforecontinuity from the pump to the catheter 14, without departing from thescope of the invention. Further, artisans will appreciate that thepositions of the transmitter 30 and receiver 22 could be switched togenerate a “pump in” workflow, such that signals are transmitted fromthe catheter 14 and the medication container 12, and received at theupstream and downstream sides of the pump 18. The system and method canbe streamlined when the upstream and downstream acoustic receivers 22and associated software are incorporated into the pump 18. In this case,only a single signal transmitter 30 needs to be positioned by theclinician. Further simplification is possible when finger taps are usedin place of the signal transmitter 30.

Similarly, a “top down” workflow uses a signal transmitted from themedicine container and received at the pump upstream side, and a signaltransmitted from the pump downstream side and received at the catheter.A “bottom up” workflow uses a signal transmitted from the catheter andreceived at the pump downstream side and a signal transmitted from thepump upstream side and received at the medicine container. The chartbelow shows the positioning of the transmitters and receivers withrespect to the medication container, pump upstream side, pump downstreamside, and catheter:

Pump Medication Pump Downstream Container Upstream Side Side Catheter“pump out” Receiver Transmitter Transmitter Receiver “pump in”Transmitter Receiver Receiver Transmitter “top down” TransmitterReceiver Transmitter Receiver “bottom up” Receiver Transmitter ReceiverTransmitter

While each of the above configurations and workflows results in the samedetermination of continuity, different clinicians may find certainworkflows more expedient and/or more intuitive. Accordingly, a systemthat allows for the flexibility to determine continuity in whichever waya clinician prefers is advantageous in that it encourages the cliniciansto use the equipment, reducing the propensity for errors in line tracingand increasing the speed at which a line tracing can be performed.

Another method of accommodating the dampening factor of the infusionpump 18 is to use a relay 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the infusion system 10optionally includes a relay 32 having the acoustic receiver 22electrically coupled to the signal transmitter 30 via a wired orwireless connection. The relay is disposed such that the receiver andthe transmitter are on opposite sides of the pump (i.e., the receiver 22is disposed upstream, while the transmitter 30 is disposed downstream,or vice versa). Then, an acoustic signal is provided to the tubing set16 on the side of the pump that includes the receiver. When the receiver22 receives the provided signal, a corresponding signal is generated bythe electrically coupled signal transmitter 30. Thus, the dampeningeffect of the pump 18 is negated.

It is also contemplated that the signal receiver 22 and the signaltransmitter 30 may communicate with one another, either wirelessly orvia wired connection. In particular, the transmitter 30 preferablytransmits information regarding one or more characteristics of thetransmitted acoustic vibration to the receiver 22. Such characteristicspreferably include one or more of signal frequency (or range offrequencies), signal amplitude (or range of amplitudes), signal timing,a particular signal pattern to be transmitted, or other characteristicsidentifying the signal. This allows the receiver 22 to discriminatebetween a received signal from the transmitter 30 and noise or otherextraneous vibrations in the tubing caused by, for example cross-talkbetween numerous transmitters and receivers in a complex infusionsystem, incidental contact between multiple tubes of an infusion system,vibrations induced by a pump 18, or other sources of vibration presentwithin system 10. The receiver 22 compares the signal received at thesensor 24 with the one or more signal characteristics and, if thereceived signal matches the characteristics, indicates that the signalis received via the indicator 26.

While the principles of the present infusion set line tracing systemhave been described above in connection with specific apparatus andapplications, it is to be understood that this description is made onlyby way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the claimsfollowing below.

What is claimed is:
 1. An acoustic line tracing system for tracing afluid transfer system tubing line, the tracing system comprising: aninfusion pump; a first acoustic receiver operably connectable to thetubing line and configured to receive a vibratory signal, the firstacoustic receiver including: a first vibration sensor disposed tocontact the tubing line, said first vibration sensor being configuredfor detecting vibration of the surface of the tubing line caused by thevibratory signal; a signal transmitter operatively contacting the tubingset and electrically coupled with said first acoustic receiver, saidsignal transmitter configured for generating acoustic vibrations in thetubing line when said first vibration sensor detects the vibratorysignal; and wherein the first acoustic receiver is upstream from theinfusion pump and the signal transmitter is downstream from the infusionpump for reducing dampening of the vibratory signal by the infusionpump.
 2. The acoustic line tracing system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second acoustic receiver connectable to the tubing lineand configured for receiving the acoustic vibrations generated by saidsignal transmitter, said second acoustic receiver including: a secondvibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line, said secondvibration sensor being configured for detecting vibrations in thesurface of the tubing line caused by the acoustic vibrations; and anindicator producing at least one of an audio and a visual cue when saidsecond vibration sensor detects the vibratory signal.
 3. The acousticline tracing system of claim 2, wherein each said vibration sensor is apiezoelectric device.
 4. The acoustic line tracing system of claim 2,wherein each said vibration sensor is a microphone.
 5. The acoustic linetracing system of claim 2, wherein said indicator is a light emittingdiode, and wherein said diode emits light when said second vibrationsensor detects the vibratory signal.
 6. The acoustic line tracing systemof claim 2, wherein said indicator is a speaker, and wherein saidspeaker emits an audible tone when said second vibration sensor detectsthe vibratory signal.
 7. The acoustic line tracing system of claim 1,wherein said signal transmitter includes a piezoelectric deviceconfigured to generate ultrasonic acoustic vibrations.
 8. The acousticline tracing system of claim 2, wherein said signal transmitter isconfigured for communicating one or more characteristics of thevibratory signal to said second acoustic receiver.
 9. The acoustic linetracing system of claim 8, wherein said one or more characteristics isat least one of a frequency, a range of frequencies, an amplitude, arange of amplitudes, a signal timing, and a particular signal pattern.10. An acoustic line tracing system for verifying continuity of a tubingset in an infusion system, the line tracing system comprising: aninfusion pump; a first acoustic receiver connectable to the tubing lineand configured for receiving a vibratory signal, the first acousticreceiver including a first vibration sensor disposed to contact thetubing line, said first vibration sensor being configured for detectingvibration of the surface of the tubing line caused by the vibratorysignal; a signal transmitter operatively contacting the tubing set andelectrically coupled with said first acoustic receiver, said signaltransmitter configured for generating acoustic vibrations in the tubingline when said first vibration sensor detects the vibratory signal; andwherein said first acoustic receiver and said signal transmitter areseparated by the infusion pump for reducing dampening of the vibratorysignal by the infusion pump.
 11. The acoustic line tracing system ofclaim 10, further comprising: a second acoustic receiver connectable tothe tubing line and configured for receiving the acoustic vibrationsgenerated by said signal transmitter, said second acoustic receiverincluding: a second vibration sensor disposed to contact the tubingline, said second vibration sensor being configured for detectingvibrations in the surface of the tubing line caused by the acousticvibrations; and an indicator producing at least one of an audio and avisual cue when said second vibration sensor detects the vibratorysignal.
 12. The acoustic line tracing system of claim 11, wherein eachsaid vibration sensor is a piezoelectric device, and wherein each saidvibration sensor is a microphone.
 13. The acoustic line tracing systemof claim 11, wherein said indicator is a light emitting diode, andwherein said diode emits light when said second vibration sensor detectsthe vibratory signal.
 14. The acoustic line tracing system of claim 10,wherein said signal transmitter includes a piezoelectric deviceconfigured to generate ultrasonic acoustic vibrations.
 15. A method fordetermining continuity of a tubing set comprising steps of: providing: afirst acoustic receiver operably connectable to the tubing line andconfigured for receiving a vibratory signal, the first acoustic receiverincluding a first vibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line,said first vibration sensor being configured for detecting vibration ofthe surface of the tubing line caused by the vibratory signal; a signaltransmitter operatively contacting the tubing set and electricallycoupled with said first acoustic receiver, said signal transmitterconfigured for generating acoustic vibrations in the tubing line whensaid first vibration sensor detects the vibratory signal; and whereinthe first acoustic receiver is upstream from an infusion pump and thesignal transmitter is downstream from the infusion pump to reducedampening of the vibratory signal by the infusion pump.
 16. The methodof claim 15, further comprising: providing a second acoustic receiver incontact with the tubing set at a first position along the tubing set,and connectable to the tubing line and configured for receiving theacoustic vibrations generated by said signal transmitter, said secondacoustic receiver including a second vibration sensor operativelycontacting the tubing set and configured for sensing vibrations in thetubing set, and an indicator capable of producing at least one of anaudio and a visual cue when said second vibration sensor detects thevibrations; inducing the vibratory signal at a second position along thetubing set; detecting, by said second acoustic receiver, whether or notthe vibratory signal is received at said first position along the tubingset; and determining whether the tubing set is continuous between thefirst position and the second position, wherein the tubing set isdetermined to be continuous if said second vibration sensor detects thevibratory signal at said detecting step, wherein said indicator producessaid cue when it is determined that the tubing set is continuous. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the signal transmitter is in contactwith the tubing set at said second position, said transmitter performingsaid inducing step.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising stepsof: communicating one or more characteristics of the vibratory signalfrom said transmitter to said second acoustic receiver; and comparingthe one or more communicated characteristics with the vibratory signalreceived during said detecting step, wherein said determining stepdetermines that the tubing set is continuous if said received signalmatches said one or more communicated characteristics.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said inducing step includes manually inducing thevibratory signal by a clinician tapping the tubing set.